Klenda appointed as district judge

Former McPherson city prosecutor John Klenda was awarded the open judicial spot in the Kansas 9th Judicial District.

By Joseph TuszynskiStaff Writer

Former McPherson city prosecutor John Klenda was awarded the open judicial spot in the Kansas 9th Judicial District.

Kansas governor Sam Brownback made the announcement Wednesday. According to Associated Press, Brownback said Klenda's experience in criminal and civil cases made him a good candidate for the court.

Carl B. Anderson Jr. was the former 9th Judicial District judge. He retired in January due to continuing health problems and died in February.

Klenda has served as city prosecutor since 1984 and served as McPherson county attorney from 1983 to 1985. He graduated from Emporia State University and has a master's degree in public administration from the University of Kansas. He graduated from the Washburn University School of Law in 1980.

Klenda has worked at his law firm, Karstetter and Klenda, L.L.C. since 1980 as an attorney.

Klenda said he was excited to be chosen and is looking forward to the job.

"It's a great honor," he said. "I'm looking forward to serving the community and the judiciary."

Klenda will begin serving as 9th district judge starting July 1.

Other candidates that had been nominated by the selection committee included William Mills, a lawyer in McPherson, and Marilyn Wilder, an attorney in Newton. A selection committee selects two to three names for consideration by the governor, and the governor makes the appointment from those names.

City commissioners on Monday appointed Brian Bina, an associate attorney with Karstetter and Klenda L.L.C. as the interim city prosecutor. Nick Gregory, city administrator, said the city will send letters to local law firms, requesting the applications and résumés of those interested in applying for the open position. The deadline for those applications is May 10.

Mayor Tom Brown said Bina's appointment as interim city prosecutor was to aid in Klenda's transition. "His appointment was not to give him a leg up, but to facilitate a smooth transition," Brown said.

Bina will serve as interim city prosecutor until July 1 at which point commissioners said a new city prosecutor will be chosen.

Brown said the change in duties will not create additional expenses.

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